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9 Trader Joe’s Staples

What are your staples at Trader Joe’s? I drive the hour once a month to stock up, and while I love trying their new and limited items, I have a dozen or so things I reach for every time (often in bulk). Here are mine…

Unexpected Cheddar. Basically the best cheddar in the world — it’s got hints of parmesan and tastes amazing in a grilled cheese or alongside some apple slices. I NEVER get sick of this stuff.

Rustico Tomato Sauce. I grab a jar every time and turn it into a quick bolognese with ground beef and some red wine, or add a splash of vodka and cream for penne a la vodka. It reminds me a lot of Rao’s Marinara Sauce (but for a fraction of the price!).

Ginger Turmeric Tea. Soothing and good for you! I have it with a little honey.

39 thoughts on “9 Trader Joe’s Staples”

The taquitos in the frozen section are really good – with some guac, sour cream and pico de gallo. Also the olive tapenade in the refrigerated section with mascarpone cheese and crackers is a great appetizer/party platter.

my faves from TJ’s are the pomegranate and blueberry cereal for when I’m craving a sweet snack, the teriyaki tofu for adding quick protein to salads, chocolate babka or chocolate covered power berries for a treat, and the Dr. Praeger’s California burgers for just a good time!!! They don’t taste at all like a real burger and I don’t think they’re sposed too… they taste SO GOOD though!!!

I need to try the Unexpected Cheddar! I always get their Wisconsin Extra Sharp Cheddar. I also like their frozen vegetable gyoza, frozen edamame, stuffed grape leaves (in a can) with some hummus, cornichons, and the Marcona almonds with rosemary. I wish ours had ranunculus!!

Loooove TJ’s multigrain pita chips with sesame seeds (another dangerous one sitting snack), New Zealand Sweet Apple Rings. Their peach and mango organic yoghurt cups are addictive, especailly the mango flavor. In the winter, their fresh lentil soup is a must. And in the summer, the vanilla icecream is excellent.

I will definitely try the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese. I’ve never seen it, as I always get my usual smoked gouda and feta. And I agree with the coconut milk. So nice to have a can on hand for a last minute thai inspired curry. My favs are the stoned wheat crackers, all of the cereals, chicken drumsticks, frozen seafood blend, and of their bagged popcorn. Trader Joe’s makes the BEST snack foods, hands down. Fun post!

I LOVE unexpected cheddar. For a deeply addictive snack try the Oven Baked Cheese Bites. Also they have a new product that’s little sealed packets of green olives with about 10 in each packet – great snack.

A lot of the stuff I get is to shove in my toddlers lunch for pre-school, but these are all of my staples!

The hummus, just the regular is enough for me!
The Feta! So good!
Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips
The new Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips are to die for (real salty w/ lime)
World Peas
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
The Apple Cereal Bars, the other flavors fall short
The Green Juice
Gluten Free Chicken Bites
Turkey Meatballs
Chicken Fried Rice
Family Style Lasagna, the husband and I finish the whole thing in one sitting!
Green Dragon sauce
The frozen Garlic Naan
Frozen Blueberry Waffles
Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausages (boil them in a lil water for a quick breakfast, we all LOVE them!)

Me, too. We love the turkey meatball sub: Shredded Mozz melted on the Frozen Turkey Meatballs that were warmed for 20 mins in the canned Tomato Sauce (which is also amazing on pizza). I sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top and serve on the Multigrain Rolls..

PSA: I don’t sh our routine down at whole foods so that it only takes 10 min to run around and fill our cart for our family of four-we eat the same things weekly to simplify so I have the list and food location memorized now and it is AMAZING) BUT we went over to a friends house and they grilled some TJ’s pre-marinated Korean style BBQ chicken and it was SO GOOD. Seriously so good. I would make a trip to TJs just for this chicken and that is really saying something for our busy family. If you have a grill go pick some up now-you won’t be dissappointed.

Trader Joes: the smoked sardines in a can. probably the best food in the world for your skin/hair/ mental health (trust me) and so affordable. no BPA in the can. I recommend them to all my patients. chill before serving